Pacific Surfliner
Amtrak
San Diego - Los Angeles - San Luis Obispo
The Pacific Surfliner service by Amtrak offers a scenic coastal journey between San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego in Southern California. Experience stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and quintessentail California beach towns. Explore popular destinations such as Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Hollywood, Disney Land, and the San Diego Gaslamp District.
Relax in comfortable seating and enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets. Whether you're commuting, exploring the coast, or planning a Southern California getaway, the Pacific Surfliner service provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.
6-9 hours
Trip Time
350 mi (560 km)
Trip Length
Multiple Daily
Frequency
Route Highlights
San Diego: Start your journey in San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and charming neighborhoods. Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, visit Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in Pacific Beach or La Jolla.
Old Town San Diego: Just a short distance from downtown San Diego, Old Town is a historic neighborhood that takes you back in time to the early days of the city. Explore the preserved adobe buildings, visit museums, and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Del Mar: As the train heads north, it passes through the coastal community of Del Mar, famous for its picturesque beaches and the Del Mar Racetrack. Take a walk along the shoreline, enjoy the ocean breeze, or catch a race during the summer season.
Solana Beach: Continuing along the coast, Solana Beach offers a laid-back beach town atmosphere with beautiful stretches of sand, trendy shops, and delicious dining options. Explore the Cedros Design District, known for its unique boutiques and art galleries.
Encinitas: Known for its surf culture and stunning coastal scenery, Encinitas is a charming town with a relaxed vibe. Explore the beautiful beaches, visit the iconic Encinitas Meditation Gardens, or indulge in the local food scene along Coast Highway 101.
Carlsbad: The Pacific Surfliner stops in Carlsbad, a coastal city with beautiful beaches, the LEGOLAND California Resort, and the Flower Fields. Enjoy a day at the beach, explore the Carlsbad Village area, or visit the famous Flower Fields when in season.
Oceanside: As the train reaches Oceanside, you'll find a vibrant coastal community with a charming harbor, a historic wooden pier, and a lively downtown area. Stroll along the pier, visit the California Surf Museum, or enjoy the local restaurants and shops.
San Juan Capistrano: Known for its famous mission, San Juan Capistrano is a historical and cultural gem. Explore the Mission San Juan Capistrano, stroll through the charming Los Rios Historic District, or visit the nearby San Juan Capistrano State Park.
Anaheim: The Pacific Surfliner offers a convenient stop in Anaheim, home to the world-famous Disneyland Resort. Experience the magic of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, or explore the vibrant Downtown Disney District for dining and entertainment.
Los Angeles Union Station: The Surfliner stops at the historic Los Angeles Union Station, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Explore the beautiful waiting area, marvel at the iconic Mission Revival style, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of one of the busiest train stations in the United States.
Santa Barbara: As the train heads north, it reaches the charming coastal city of Santa Barbara. Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara offers stunning Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and a vibrant downtown area. Explore the historic Stearns Wharf, visit the Santa Barbara Mission, or simply relax on the beautiful beaches.
Carpinteria: Just south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a small beach town known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a walk on Carpinteria State Beach, visit the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, or explore the local shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
Goleta: Continuing north, the Pacific Surfliner passes through Goleta, a coastal community known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit the stunning Goleta Butterfly Grove, enjoy a hike in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, or explore the picturesque campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes: As the train approaches the town of Guadalupe, passengers can catch glimpses of the vast and breathtaking Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. These impressive sand dunes stretch for miles along the coast and are home to unique plant and animal species. Marvel at the natural beauty of this protected area from the train's windows.
San Luis Obispo: The final destination on this route is San Luis Obispo, an excellent city located in the heart of California's Central Coast. Known for its charming downtown area, beautiful Spanish-style architecture, and proximity to renowned vineyards, San Luis Obispo offers plenty to explore. Visit the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, hike the nearby Cerro San Luis Obispo for panoramic views, stroll the campus of Cal Poly SLO, or wander through the unique shops and restaurants of downtown.